The wines from Bonny Doon are always full of surprises, but perhaps none have left us so astounded as the 2014 "A Proper Claret." This bargain priced red is everything its name suggests. It is a classic California red with a profile that’s akin to fine bottle of Bordeaux. Easy going, inviting, and super delicious, this is the kind of wine you open for your friends and have them guess the price. Chances are they’ll assume it’s in the $20-$30 range, but remarkably it can be had for under $10. The market is awash with sub-$15 reds from California with many being, well, let’s say less than inspiring, but not so with “A Proper Claret.” This 2014 is a serious bottle of red with plenty of structure and definition to keep you coming back to the glass for more. When it comes to a Tuesday night pour, you won’t do much better than this. Scroll below to read the glowing reviews from the James Suckling and our staff and you’ll see why so many are so taken by this delightful red.

Bonny Doon has always chosen the not so obvious, off the beaten path varietals for their wines, but when they finally got around to putting this tiny little grape called Cabernet Sauvignon in their wines, they decided to treat it in the old-school Bordeaux style of a "Claret" by creating a light and fruity, easy to drink red blend that was once all the rage in England during the 18th century. And that is precisely what this wine embodies; a fun, juicy, quasi bistro-style blend that is sure to surprise those discerning palates while simultaneously capturing the delight of those not so pompous. This is a true crowd pleaser that will win over every audience with its spicy red fruit and silky yet lifted texture!

I won't lie -- before my first sip of this wine I expected what I call a "Flapjack Friday" wine. You know the kind -- rich, extracted and thick enough to pour over your breakfast hotcakes. Well, I stand corrected. You should buy this excellent value because it is bright, cheery yet still packed with flavor and is much easier on the palate (and pocketbook) than you're expecting for a value priced California red blend. Nice red fruit, balancing acid and the best part of all -- a low 13.2% ABV.

I love big, rich wines. Even been accused of loving a fruit bomb or two. Bonny Doon always delivers. Let me say that this big wine is rather light on its feet. Alluring nose of of violets, black licorice and graphite but the palate is where it really dances. Spicy red fruit and vanilla spice with a slap of acidity and a smooth dry finish. Proper structure and clarity with a balance of fruit and earth. Slow cooked wild boar sliders should be on the menu with this little surprising showstopper.

This is going to be a knockout with K&L fans; highly regarded by Wine Enthusiast with the quality to show for. The fruit make up on the nose along with the woodsy spice is very reminiscent of Bordeaux, but with a California touch. On the palate, the core shows beautifully and is very well balanced with a good support of acid and supple texture from the soft tannins. Full bodied, good fruit, lots of complexity, and, again, incredibly well balanced.